Visayas, Philippines
    Apo Island Protected Landscape & Seascape

    Sanctuary

    Best months: Jan–Mar

    Protected Area

    Apo Island Protected Landscape & Seascape

    Why dive here

    With 554+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda, blacktip reef sharks, blue-spotted stingrays, manta rays and mobula rays (devil rays) - Sanctuary offers some of Visayas's richest diving. Water ranges 28-31°C, warmest May, June, October.

    Best timeJan–Mar
    WetsuitA 3mm shorty or thin full wetsuit
    Marine lifeBarracuda, Blacktip Reef Sharks, Blue-Spotted Stingrays, Manta Rays and Mobula Rays (Devil Rays) · 554+ species recorded
    Water28-31°C · warmest May, June, October
    StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

    Sanctuary, somewhere in the Visayas, is one of those sites we always make time for. It’s not about huge pelagics, though you might get a barracuda eyeing you from the blue. No, this spot shines for the sheer density of reef fish, especially in the shallows. Drop in, and you’re immediately enveloped by clouds of fusiliers and chromis, so thick they almost block out the sun. Our favourite part is lingering over the coral bommies, finding bristleteeth surgeonfish and jansen's wrasse darting in and out. Keep an eye out for stonefish camouflaged on the rubble, they’re masters of disguise. We love hitting Sanctuary early in the morning, before the dive boats from some of the bigger resorts start rolling in. It's a calmer experience, and the light filtering through the water just feels different. The currents here are generally mild, making it a really relaxed dive, perfect for photographers wanting to spend time with those clown anemonefish. You’ll leave feeling like you just spent an hour swimming in an aquarium, but a much, much better one.

    Today05:3617:3411h 58m daylightGolden hour 17:06

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Sanctuary

    Sanctuary Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Sanctuary, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (10.3, 124.07) (19km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    October Averages

    Sea Temperature

    31°C

    87°F · Range: 29.5–32.2°C

    Air Temperature

    24°C

    76°F

    Wind Speed

    3.27 m/s

    6.4 knots

    Atmospheric Pressure

    1010 hPa

    Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data

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